Portable Altar of Countess Gertrude (c. 1045 CE)
The portable altar was commissioned by Countess Gertrude of Brunswick, a member of the powerful Guelph dynasty, one of the most influential noble families in the medieval Holy Roman Empire.
Europe
A collection of artifacts from across Europe, spanning its diverse histories and cultures. This category reflects the continent’s role as a cradle of art, innovation, and conflict through the ages.
Arm Reliquary of the Apostles (c. 1190 CE)
Shaped like a clothed human forearm with an outstretched right hand in a gesture of blessing, this reliquary was designed to house a sacred relic—in this case, a portion of an unidentified saint’s arm bone.
Enthroned Virgin with Christ Child (c. 1400CE)
Crafted in limestone with bright polychromy (multiple colors) and gilding, this enthroned virgin blends tenderness with deep theological meaning, making it a poignant example of late medieval devotional art.
Why Born Enslaved! (1867 CE)
Rather than depicting submission, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux presents a figure who resists her fate through posture and expression. The work immediately provokes emotional and moral reflection, compelling viewers to confront the horror of being enslaved.
Terpsichore Lyran (1816 CE)
This life-size lyran embodies serene grace and ideal beauty, portraying Terpsichore—one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology—as the inspiring force behind lyric poetry.
Fragment of a Goat’s Head (c. 500–475 BCE)
What at first glance appears to be a simple fragment of a goat opens the door to questions about myth, movement, and meaning in early Greek art.
Roman Bronze Olpe (1–100 CE)
Thos olpes pear-shaped body, high curved handle, and intricate relief decorations featuring Dionysian themes make it a striking example of functional art that blended utility with symbolic elegance.
Black-Figure Amphora (c.540 BCE)
Produced in the workshops of Attica (the region around Athens), this black-figure amphora features nearly identical scenes on both sides: a central horseman flanked by pairs of standing figures, all framed within reserved red-clay panels beneath a decorative lotus-palmette frieze.
Roman Oil Lamp (50 BCE – 50 CE)
Far larger and more elaborate than typical everyday roman clay lamps, it combines practical function with high artistic quality, serving as both a source of light and a luxurious decorative object.
Corinthian Helmet 2 (500–475 BCE)
At first glance, the Corinthian helmet appears to be a classic example of Greek martial craftsmanship from the early 5th century BCE, yet its unusual weight and rich decoration invite closer scrutiny and raise intriguing questions about its true origin.
Red-Figure Kylix (c. 480 BCE)
When lifting the kylix to drink, its painted interior reveals a lively encounter between the god and a dancing satyr, turning an everyday act of drinking into a moment of myth, humor, and reflection on excess and control.
The Vicarello Goblet (25 BCE – 25 CE)
This small silver Vicarello drinking cup, discovered near ancient thermal springs north of Rome, features a finely detailed relief scene depicting a rustic ritual in honor of Priapus, the Roman god of fertility, gardens, and male sexuality.